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Rangers Draft [D] Sean Day in 3rd Rd (81st) Pick

A mobile two-way defenceman who boasts an elite level skill package. Strong on the forecheck and delivers hard shots and crisp passes. His consistency and enthusiasm exhibited at the game's defining moments does seem to wane, and the pressure felt seems to impact his decision-making slightly. When focusing on simplifying his game and getting all the little things right, he becomes a forceful impact that is hungry to be a difference maker. All-in-all, a talented two-way defenceman who has all of the raw abilities in place to become an elite defenceman, but has yet to put it all together and prove that he can thrive in the driver's seat. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015)

Having spent many nights and afternoons at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga this season, I can confidently say that Sean Day is a highly talented hockey player. My viewings this season ranged from noticeably bad to best player on the ice.

There were games where the elite skating and puck rushing ability were on full display. But there were other games where Day was a turnover machine who skating himself directly into traffic. The former looks like a top-30 pick, a potential top-four defender in the NHL; the latter, perhaps a late round flyer at best.

While the physical tools are immediately striking, the decision-making and consistency are what hold him back. If a team feels that the decision-making can be fixed, then he would be a very worthwhile gamble as early as the second round. If not, perhaps he's not even worth a draft pick.

Tossing away the off-ice and work ethic stuff (as I have no way knowing about it), I think Day is a worthwhile gamble for the Montreal Canadiens. Certainly not in the first or second, but in the third or later, if he lasts that long.

Boom or bust. Would be a project, but the Rangers desperately need a boom-type prospect and they've done quite well developing defensemen.

Sean Day Strengths
Sean Day is 6’2, 230 pounds and was ranked the best skater in the 2016 draft class by the McKeen’s Hockey Draft Guide. What you have here is an athletic freak.
I thought Day closed out the season exceptionally well. The two biggest reasons for that were an increased intensity level in the defensive end, and an increased propensity for starting the rush and looking to use his speed to push across the neutral zone.
In my opinion, Day’s future at the next level rests on his ability to defend his own end; using his size and mobility to be a shutdown type of defender. That’s why I think his increased desire to play the body and play mean in his own end towards the end of the year is a major step forward.
On the ice, I think Day is finally realizing what his role is and the way he needs to play to be successful.
From Sean Lafortune, speaking on the Steelheads’ selection of Sean Day back in 2013:
“Sean Day’s talents are unique. His footwork and skating ability are unmatched. He’s innovative in possession, showing an ability to either impact the game with a sizzling outlet or flashing his slick in close skills. He would routinely impose his will on the opposition in our viewings. No doubt he needs to work on his decision making in all three zones, but the tools that he possesses are unmatched.”
Sean Day Weaknesses
No question Sean Day didn’t have a great draft year, and I actually had him lower on my list up until about the last month and a half of the season (in which he took some strides forward).
Certainly you have to look at the overall motivation levels (with everything that has come out in the media about his attitude and character), and NHL teams will have done their homework at the combine (I’m guessing he was one of the most interviewed players there).
For me, I don’t actually believe Day has a ton of offensive potential. While the skating ability obviously makes you hope that’s the case, I just don’t see a player who possesses a natural ability for creating offence.
From Gare Joyce’s piece at the Draft Combine:
“Sean Day. Sigh. Okay, he’s down 20 pounds at least from last summer. At 230 he still looks like a beer leaguer but it’s a start. It didn’t look like he bought into the idea that the combine was a chance to make a big impression. He went from ordinary to very ordinary to below average at the stations, and seemed sort of nonchalant. You look at him and think: How does an unathletic kid possess plus-plus skating? This is one of life’s mysteries and the reason that someone will undertake Day as a challenge.”
The Verdict
You’re not looking at the next Drew Doughty. He’s not going to be that type of guy. But can Sean Day be a successful NHL player? Absolutely.

Scouting report
A mobile two-way defenceman that boasts an elite level skill package. Strong on the forecheck and delivers hard shots and crisp passes. His consistency and enthusiasm exhibited at the game’s defining moments does seem to wane, and the pressure felt seems to impact his decision-making slightly. When focusing on simplifying his game and getting all the little things right, he becomes a forceful impact that is hungry to be a difference maker. All-in-all, a talented two-way defenceman that has all of the raw abilities in place to become an elite defenceman, but has yet to put it all together and prove that he can thrive in the driver’s seat. (Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects 2015)

Strengths
If you are looking for raw elite skill, Sean Day is your man. If you are looking for a well-rounded player with good hockey sense who is guaranteed to make the NHL, he certainly is not.

The main reasons for Day being granted exceptional player status to play junior hockey a year early were his size and skating, along with outstanding puck skills. Three years later, those are still his standout attributes.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 229 pounds, Day already has the perfect frame for an NHL defenceman. Yet, he is an elite skater. A powerful stride, speed, mobility — Day has it all.

Another standout attribute is his passing. Day plays powerful, accurate passes, especially during breakouts. He can also make big plays in the offensive zone and possesses a good, heavy shot.

Last but not least, Day is a terrific puck handler and could turn into a large two-way defenceman who can drive the puck up ice and be a power-play quarterback.

Weaknesses
First, there is his inconsistency. One second you see that elite exceptional status player, the next you see a below-average junior player like you find them aplenty in the CHL.

Second, many scouts question his hockey sense. Day used to play a “get the puck and go” style in minor hockey and had a hard time changing that (and he is still working on it).

Furthermore, Day seemed to struggle a lot with the strong competition in the OHL and the pressure of being granted exceptional player status. He was used to being much bigger and better than all his peers in minor hockey, but playing against 20-year-olds was a change he struggled to adapt to.

Day was a minus-35 in his rookie season and struggled defensively in general. He got better in his second year — offensively and defensively. In 2015-16, his production dropped, but he got much more responsible in the defensive zone. If he continues his defensive development like he has for the past year, it should not be an issue at the next level.

Perhaps the biggest issue, if all the rumours are true, is Day’s character. Granted exceptional player status, he was said to just take everything for granted instead of working hard to be successful. Then, he was reported to have had a few falling-outs with his coach. Furthermore, he reportedly demanded a trade — to the London Knights and the London Knights only.

Don't know I feel about this. I'm very hesitant when it comes to Day. He has a lot of the physical gifts but hasn't really developed or improved much.

I agree with Pete that this he isn't really who you take with your highest pick. Day could be an absolute home run, but he could also be a nobody if he doesn't improve. If the Rangers had another pick before or around him, sure, it'd be a bit easier to deal with.

Talk is cheap but Day was very confident and proud of changes he made. Was honest about short comings and had it in his mind that he was going to prove a ton of people wrong. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

Hidden Content“Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.”- Malcolm Gladwell

Talk is cheap but Day was very confident and proud of changes he made. Was honest about short comings and had it in his mind that he was going to prove a ton of people wrong. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

Well that's good. One can hope that actually getting drafted and closer to an NHL career gets him more inspired.

Originally Posted by Pete

It's not about being a sure fire NHLer. It's about quickest path to the NHL. By most accounts he's a 5 year project.

Jeez I hope not that long

this guy doesn't even sound like he has the motivation to go through 2 more years of dues paying let alone 5.

Strengths
If you are looking for raw elite skill, Sean Day is your man. ...
The main reasons for Day being granted exceptional player status to play junior hockey a year early were his size and skating, along with outstanding puck skills.....

Yet, he is an elite skater. A powerful stride, speed, mobility — Day has it all.

Another standout attribute is his passing. Day plays powerful, accurate passes, especially during breakouts. He can also make big plays in the offensive zone and possesses a good, heavy shot.

Last but not least, Day is a terrific puck handler and could turn into a large two-way defenceman who can drive the puck up ice and be a power-play quarterback.

But these attributes are encouraging. maybe our system can make something of him if he lasts long enough to get in it.